You know what time of year it is—Romance Time! With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, right now is the best time to talk about how essential oils can help you and your partner have a magical, romantic evening together.
Some scents are quite simply intoxicating; they can directly affect emotional states and infuse your senses. Because of this, humans have been harnessing the power of aromatherapy for centuries, and it has deep roots in romantic history. Ancient civilizations used fragrances to cultivate desire and influence behaviors.
The Egyptians, for example, enjoyed aromatic baths to create a more sensual environment for intimacy. Then there are the accounts of the legendary seductress, Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, that claim she carpeted her throne room floor with rose petals and massaged her body with a custom blend of rose, cardamom, and cinnamon oils to seduce Marc Antony upon his arrival. She would even order the sails of her ship to be doused with the fragrant oils to attract his attention further and awaken passions. Additionally, the alluring characteristics of fragrance are mentioned in the Bible’s Song of Solomon: “His cheeks are like beds of spices, mounds of sweet-smelling herbs. His lips are lilies, dripping liquid Myrrh” (Song Sol. 5:13 English Standard Version).
History tells us that smell has been long known as a central element of attraction, but what does modern science say? You probably guessed it: Certain aromas really do work within the mind and body to spark feelings of sensuality and love. This is because smell links to the limbic lobe of the brain and activates the hypothalamus. Since the hypothalamus is the hormone control center, it regulates and stimulates sex drive, energy levels, and healthy hormone productions. According to Psychology Today, “Some researchers think scent could be the missing factor that explains who we end up with. It may even explain why we feel ‘chemistry’ — or ‘sparks’ or ‘electricity’ — with one person and not another.”
Scents can play a powerful role when you are intentionally working to set a positive and passionate atmosphere. Whether you diffuse, apply as a personal fragrance, use in a sensual bath or massage blend, keep these essential oils in mind to achieve that sexy, feel-good ambiance you want!
Rose and Rose Otto
One of the most famous and recognizable symbols of love, the rose, is the perfect start to this list! No matter what Rose choice you can manage, this wonderfully soothing and relaxing aroma is sure to enhance your romance plans. Enjoy a lovely bath by adding 2 drops of Rose Absolute and 3 drops of Sandalwood Australian to 2 tablespoons of unscented body wash with half a cup of Epsom salt.
Ylang Ylang
It’s hard to get in the mood for romance when you’re dealing with day to day worry and stress piling up in your mind. Thankfully, we can turn to Ylang Ylang whose cheerful and exotic scent can take us out of the doom and gloom and into a sunny and positive mindset. This popular aphrodisiac works great as an addition to bath and massage blends. Make sure to dilute it in a carrier oil and remember—just a little bit of this oil is needed to go a long way. It is incredibly intense and can overpower softer smelling essential oils very easily.
Sandalwood Australian & Indian
This classic, soft, woodsy aroma is often cherished by both men and women. It helps to relax the mind and body, making it the perfect choice for an intimate evening. It can perk up your spirits while clearing the mind. So let go of any negative emotions holding you back and help yourself fully commit to the special moment with Sandalwood.
Jasmine
This famously recognizable aphrodisiac increases feelings of romance and desire. Jasmine Absolute can uplift the mood by helping to ease away feelings of tension and stress. It is also known to help bolster feelings of self-confidence. And when you feel happy and confident, that sexy, sensual woman can shine through.
Time for a romantic bath! Mix one drop each of Jasmine Absolute, Sandalwood Indian, and Orange Sweet in a tablespoon of unscented body wash or bubble bath. Pour under warm running water and enjoy.
Sensual
Made specifically to set that perfect mood for couples, our Sensual blend is the perfect oil to reconnect with your partner and reignite the love spark!
Diffuse or use in a massage (diluted in a carrier oil) to promote togetherness and add some romance. The romantic qualities of Sensual will awaken passions with its exotic blend of floral and woody aromas. Make an aphrodisiac linen spray and spritz on your sheets for a romantic evening!
Patchouli
Patchouli can stimulate sexual glands and has been used in many cultures for generations as a natural sexual stimulant. While this oil likely isn’t the first one to come to mind, Patchouli can help enhance mood, improve circulation, and raise body temperatures. It’s a great base note addition when blended with the other oils listed!
Is this a definitive list of all essential oils that can spark romance? Of course not! Depending on you and your partner’s personal preferences, this list is very flexible. You may not enjoy floral oils so much and instead choose citrusy or even spicy oils instead. And that is A-OK! The goal is to find a scent that you both love and keep using it! The more you use it the better it will work!
Happy Valentine's Day! 